🇵🇹 How to Apply for Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa in 2025

Complete Guide for Remote Workers, Freelancers, and Entrepreneurs

Portugal introduced the D8 Digital Nomad Visa in October 2022 to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA. This visa allows eligible individuals to live and work in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal and a path to permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

Why Portugal?

Portugal is a top destination for digital nomads, thanks to its:

• Scenic landscapes and beaches

• Affordable cost of living

• Modern infrastructure

• Friendly culture and English-speaking urban population

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Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the D8 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Minimum 18 years

• Monthly Income: At least €3,480, which is four times Portugal’s minimum wage

• Job Type: Must be remote work or freelance (proof required)

• Accommodation: Valid proof of residence in Portugal

• Savings: At least €36,480 in bank savings

• Documents Required:

  • Valid passport

  • Health insurance

  • Clean criminal record

  • NIF (Portuguese tax number)

Eligible applicants may also include family members such as spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents.

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Types of Portugal D8 Visas

1. Long-Term Residency Visa

• Validity: 4 months initially

• On arrival: Convert to a 2-year residence permit, renewable for up to 3 years

• Path to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years

• Visa Fee: €75–€90

2. Temporary Stay Visa

• Validity: 1 year, renewable up to 4 times

• Multiple entry allowed

• No path to permanent residence

• Not eligible to bring family members

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Benefits of the D8 Visa

• Stay in Portugal for 1 year or more (vs. 90-day tourist visa)

• Visa-free travel within Schengen Area (90 days in any 180-day period)

• Access to affordable healthcare, education, and public services

• Pathway to EU citizenship after 5 years

• English widely spoken in urban regions

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Cost of Living in Portugal (Monthly Averages)

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How to Apply for the Portugal D8 Visa

1. Check your eligibility (monthly income, remote work, savings)

2. Gather documents:

   • Passport

   • Proof of income and savings

   • Health insurance

   • Clean criminal record

   • Proof of accommodation in Portugal

3. Apply through the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country

4. Upon approval, receive your D8 visa and travel to Portugal

5. Once in Portugal, apply for a residence permit at SEF (Immigration and Borders Service)

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Alternative Visa: D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is for individuals with passive income (e.g., pensions, rental income), requiring a lower monthly income (~€820) but offering similar residency benefits.

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Final Notes

As of January 2025, Portugal’s unemployment rate is 6.2%, indicating stable economic conditions for expats and digital workers. To open a Portuguese bank account, you’ll need:

• NIF

• Proof of identity

• Proof of address

• Employment or income verification

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If you’re a freelancer or remote worker seeking a European base with sunny weather, fast internet, and access to the Schengen zone, Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa might be your perfect solution.